Gator is the sweetest and cutest of big puppies, but he desperately needs training and things to do during the day!
GATOR: • 6 month old • FULL PUPPY MODE • Male • 45lbs (estimated) • Airedale mother|Vizsla mix dad • Extremely Smart • Not microchipped (TART will pay to have this done) • Behind on heart worm medication (TART will pay to have this caught up) NOT Neutered (TART will pay to have this done) • 1 owner • No bite/aggressive history • Mostly Housebroken • Crate not currently used • Furniture Privileges • Loving, Fun, Playful • Needs Training but Tons of Potential • Plays too rough for cats and small dogs
Background: Current Owner (CO) has a family member with a purebred Airedale female. That family member intended to breed her one time with a friend's male Airedale, but a neighbor dog got to her first. The sire is described as a long-legged Vizsla looking hound mix. There were 13 puppies, one of which is Gator who CO and her teenage son adopted. At the time, the teenage son was excited and onboard to take on all the time-consuming training challenges of a puppy, but between school and a newly acquired driver license, his excitement diminished and Gator is not getting the attention, exercise or training that he desperately needs. His current home consists of CO (works full-time), teenage son, 2 small breed dogs, an indoor cat, and a now deceased outdoor cat.
As Gator is getting older, he is becoming increasingly BORED and desperately needs attention, training, and daily mental and physical stimulation. He is not aggressive at all, but his play is becoming too rough for one of the two smaller dogs in the home and he inadvertently killed the outside cat playing with her. CO is no longer comfortable leaving him for extended periods with the other pets. He is friendly and means no harm, but his play is amping up as he has no other physical outlets for exercise.
CO stated she is also currently struggling financially to keep up with Gator’s needs which includes heart worm medication.
Overall Personality: Gator is described as an EXTREMELY SMART “lover” who like most Airedales has a bit of a stubborn streak when he is inclined. Overall he is fun, cuddly and engaging. He loves to love on you and play…but, he IS still mouthy when he is lost in the joy of the moment. He is the sweetest and friendliest of boys but he is just too much for many small dogs and cats. That being said, one of the smaller dogs that lives with him does fine. He is a Jack Russel who is the alpha of the house and Gator completely submits to his authority.
Other: Gator is mostly housebroken. He is 100% house trained with number 2, but still has occasional pee accidents, maybe once or twice a week. Gator will usually go to the door and bark to let you know he needs to go out for a break.
Gator was crated some as a smaller puppy but has not been crated since. Until recently he was left alone in the home with the other pets and he never got into mischief, however; recently with his increased age, boredom and lack of exercise opportunities, Gator has been acting out demonstrating occasional destructive behavior. CO believes a home where he has more interaction and engagement would turn this around, but utilizing a crate or a secure area when he’s left alone, until trust has been reestablished, would be recommended.
Gator is only mildly reactive to storms and/or loud noises. He is pretty self-assured.
Gator has full furniture privileges and even sleeps with CO, along with the other dogs in the bed at night. Sometimes he prefers more room to himself and will sleep in other areas of the bedroom. He really enjoys it when the family and other dogs are all together on the living room couch spending time together.
Gator should not be in a home with cats. He is not aggressive but lacks self-awareness as to the intensity of his play and will chase if a cat runs from him.
Gator would do best in a home with another friendly, playful, medium to large dog to play with. He recently spent time in the home of his mother and brother and had a BLAST playing non-stop with them.
Gator has had exposure to children and done great but because he still jumps up and is mouthy. He would do best with school age children 8 and up. CO believes if he had his druthers, Gator would prefer another dog’s companionship over a child just because he enjoys rougher dog-play.
Gator is super-friendly and good natured to visitors but as stated before, he tries to jump up…and also as mentioned before, is mouthy. He calms down after a few minutes.
Overall Gator is not a big barker. He reacts when the little dogs in the house react, for instance when someone comes to the door, and he lets you know when he needs to go outside. That’s about it.
Gator’s Favorite Things: Gator loves doing tricks for treats like sitting or spinning around. He is very food motivated. He loves cuddles and playing, especially tug-o-war and fetch. He also enjoys getting his coat brushed.
Gator enjoys water activities and is good getting a bath. He has never been to a groomer and only taken to a vet office once as an ER visit.
Gator’s Least Favorite Things: Gator DOES NOT like to get in trouble. CO stated that she is a “yeller” and Gator runs and hides if he’s on the receiving end of loud disapproval. Overall, Gator is good-natured and up for about anything.
Gator seldom goes anywhere in the car but when he has, he has been good and relaxed…much better than the little dogs in his family.
Gator’s leash training is almost non-existent. Initially CO and her son didn’t leash train him because he wasn’t fully vaccinated. She now believes they waited too long. Neither she or her son have the time or inclination to do this. As a result, he has no potential for taking walks or going exploring.
Gator has time in the yard each day, but the smaller dogs aren’t allowed out with him so again, he is bored with nothing to do. He will sometimes dig, not to get out, just as something to do.
Biggest Challenges for an Adopter: Gator has a wonderful disposition, he just needs someone with the time and inclination to work with him and give him the foundation of training he is currently lacking. His leash training is pretty much non-existent, but his being able to get daily walks and outings would change his life.
What an Adopter will LOVE about Gator: Gator is a loving DEAR! He is funny, smart and the best snuggler. He loves to be in the middle of things and being part of the pack.
Ideal Next Home:
Gator is a BIG PUPPY and desperately needs more loving interaction and daily opportunities for mental and physical stimulation.
Gator is energetic and needs space to run. A friendly playful canine companion would be a perk.
He would thrive with a committed active, experienced dog owner that would patiently and lovingly work with him on all his training essentials. Gator has all the potential in the world!
